What is the usual probationary period for an employee in the US?

Generally, the probationary period for a US employee is 90 days. However, you should remember that the US adheres by something called the ‘at will’ doctrine which means the employer or employee is free to terminate at any time for any reason, so long as it is not a violation of a protected class (such as race, sex, age, pregnancy or religion etc.).

The probationary period for a US employee varies, and depends entirely on the arrangement that’s been agreed between the employer and the employee.

However, a 90-day probationary period is standard in the US. If you are thinking of employing a US employee, remember that the US adheres to something called the ‘at will’ doctrine. This means that the employer or employee is free to terminate at any time, for any reason.

The only caveat to this is that termination cannot occur due to a violation of a protected class – for example, because of an employee’s race, sex, age, pregnancy or religion etc.

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